WORTH WATCHING

Watch: Weird, Cronenberg-Esque Horror Short 'Flesh Computer'

"I don't see why there shouldn't be this kind of brain computer interface that may well have the effect of extending ourselves." Ready for more wacky horror as we continue further into October? Today's short won Best Special Effects at the Indie Horror Festival and also played at Fantasia, Sci-Fi London, Dallas and the LA Shorts Fest before premiering online in full. It's called Flesh Computer, from writer/director Ethan Shaftel (@eshaftel), and follows a man with a "cybernetic pet" that causes some problems in the apartment building he lives in. Some of the FX aren't that great (mainly the fly), but other shots look better. While there is certainly a Cronenberg feeling, this short also mixes in sci-fi, tech, gore, social horror and lots more.

From Vimeo: "When his cybernetic pet project is put in jeopardy, the handyman of a decaying apartment building is forced to take a stand, blurring the lines between human and machine." Flesh Computer is a short film written and directed by Ethan Shaftel that explores the nature of consciousness by jumping between the perspectives of an eclectic group of characters including a young girl, a vicious bully, and a tiny housefly. Noted philosopher David Chalmers appears in the film and raises some fundamental questions on consciousness in counterpoint to the action. The short also stars Rob Kerkovich, Anthony Guerino, and introducing Elle Gabriel. For more info on the short visit FleshComputer.com. Find more short films here.

Reader Feedback - 3 Comments

1

I loved it, should have been longer. Brought back memories of, Cronenberg's Videodrome. One of my favourite films.

Barry Rowland on Oct 17, 2014

2

WOW - well it had no Cronenberg'esque feel - felt more like Peter jackson " Bad taste" and Johny Menomic - was not horror at all sci-fi glamour - or the next phase in flashlight male masturbator toys - David Cronenberg would have not used the really bad close ups and the lame un-appealing wide shots - his tight shots have a canted angle to them and his wide shots made you feel un-easy - this was just piss poor acting with a script someone wrote in film school and spent a week on it... the imagery was boring and the idea was not strong enough to support the bland visuals ...